Developing an apocalyptic mind

In his book, The Contemplative Pastor: Returning to the Art of Spiritual Direction, Eugene Peterson has a chapter entitled "The Apocalyptic Pastor".  In this chapter he writes that all Pastors should have an apocalyptic demeanor.  Immediately, most of our minds rush off to memories of Fire and Brimstone sermons, or other horrible things that have gone in the pulpit (like naming our latest president as the Anti-Christ.....don't laugh, I have heard it in several places).

Instead, Pastor's have a worldview that knows the future.  They aren't mindreaders or fortune tellers, but everything they say is said from the knowledge that death is defeated and the kingdom of God is at hand. 

This is easily translated over to all of us.  We walk on this earth knowing that what we see is not everything, because another level of life is for us.  Both in Revelation 7 and 21, God tells us that his dwelling place will be with us and that he will wipe away our tears.  Instead of our wild fantasies of destruction and despair, an apocalyptic mind is focused on the revealing of God to us as humans (this is actually the best definition for apocalypse=revealing).  The victory has been won, and we are at the feet of God.

This is best developed through prayer, and time with the Father.  Part of the contemplative life is our ruminations upon what God has done for us and will do for us.  Living that reality day to day gets us past fanciful or escapist thoughts, but instead transitions us into the best vessels to help others see the realities of the kingdom.

Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be